Kentucky Derby, Oaks Morning Workouts Open to the Public

Apr 14, 2021

Special Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks Training Starts Saturday, April 17 from 7:30-7:45 a.m.

Between Saturday,
April 17 and Wednesday, April 28, Churchill Downs will be open free-of-charge
daily from 7-10 a.m. so guests can watch the nation’s top 3-year-old
Thoroughbreds train toward their engagements in this year’s Kentucky Derby and
Kentucky Oaks.

“For
the past 146 years, the Kentucky Derby has created memories and traditions for
so many families and friends in our community,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack
President Mike Anderson. “There’s no better way to start the day than to
watch our majestic Thoroughbreds train up-close and personal. We’re thrilled to
deliver this new experience free of charge and open it up to the general public
for everyone to enjoy.”

Horses
train on Churchill Downs’ main track daily from 5:15-10 a.m. Beginning
Saturday, April 17, there will be an exclusive training window only for Derby
and Oaks participants from 7:30-7:45 a.m. following the 7-7:30 a.m. renovation
break. Those horses will be identified by special saddle towels which include
their names:  yellow saddle towels for Derby horses and pink saddle towels
for Oaks contenders.

Churchill
Downs will livestream the Kentucky Derby Morning Works presented by
TwinSpires.com across its social media channels starting on Monday, April 19.
Video also will be broadcast on Churchill Downs’ Big Board.

Guests
can enter Churchill Downs through the Paddock Gate and should park for free in
the nearby White Lot for convenient entry. Guests will be directed to Sections
115-117 to watch the morning workouts.

Face
coverings are required and guests must practice social distancing. Churchill
Downs will continue to rely on proven health and safety protocols and operate
within the guidance of local and state health officials as well as the CDC.

 Between
Saturday, April 17 and Friday, April 23, guests may bring in their own food and
beverage during the morning workouts. Food and beverage may not be brought into
the facility between Saturday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 28 because of
Kentucky Derby Week security protocols but Churchill Downs’ new Paddock Grill
will be open during that period to offer breakfast items for purchase.

The
147^th runnings of the $1.25 Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) and $3 million Kentucky
Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) will be held Friday, April 30 and
Saturday, May 1, respectively. Opening Night of Derby Week and the 38-day
Spring Meet is Saturday, April 24. For Derby Week and Spring Meet tickets,
visit www.KentuckyDerby.com/Tickets.